Rhode Island Code of Regulations Title 290 - Department of Transportation
Here’s a structured overview of Rhode Island Code of Regulations (RICR) Title 290 – Department of Transportation (RIDOT), current through March 2025:
📂 Chapters & Key Areas
Title 290 is divided into several chapters, each addressing a different RIDOT function:
Chapter 10 – Contractors and Consultants
Chapter 20 – Government and Utilities
Chapter 30 – Business, Property Owners, and the Public
Chapter 40 – Infrastructure and Safety
Chapter 50 – Scenic Roadways Board
Chapter 60 – Bridges and Tolls (rules.sos.ri.gov)
🔍 Detailed Highlights
🛠 Chapter 20 – Government and Utilities
Part 2 – Municipal Infrastructure Plans
RIDOT evaluates municipal proposals for road and bridge projects via a revolving loan fund program. Plans are scored on economic benefit, safety, readiness, and cost-effectiveness. Public hearings are held before finalizing rankings by May 1 each year (dot.ri.gov).
Part 4 – Highway Right‑of‑Way Regulations
Incorporates standards like the MUTCD (2009), AASHTO Roadside Design Guide (2011), and ADA nondiscrimination rules by reference (regulations.justia.com).
🏢 Chapter 30 – Public Rules
Part 1 – Outdoor Advertising
Controls construction and placement of billboards/signage along state highways and interstates, aligning with federal and state laws (law.cornell.edu).
Part 6 – Access to Public Records
Defines procedures under the Access to Public Records Act (APRA). RIDOT must respond within 10 business days, with possible 20-day extensions. Fees: $0.15/page and $15/hour after the first hour. Appeals to the Director or Superior Court if denied (risos-apa-production-public.s3.amazonaws.com).
🛣 Chapter 40 – Infrastructure and Safety
Part 1 – Overweight/Oversize Vehicle Permits
Specifies permit procedures for non-divisible loads: $20/trip or $100 blanket permit. Sets application process, safety bonds, routing restrictions, holiday travel rules, crane and building moves (regulations.justia.com).
Part 2 – Twin Trailer Regulations
Defines twin trailers and governs their access to the National Network, with established route-approval processes involving safety reviews and local input (risos-apa-production-public.s3.amazonaws.com).
✅ Where to Access the Full Text
RIDOT / Rhode Island Secretary of State site: Listings for Title 290's chapters (rules.sos.ri.gov)
Justia / Cornell LII: Detailed subchapter rules (e.g., Part 4, Parts 1 and 2) (regulations.justia.com)
RIDOT PDFs: Municipal infrastructure and utility regulations (rules.sos.ri.gov)
🧭 Need More Info?
I can provide:
A chapter-by-chapter breakdown with section summaries.
PDFs/extracts of specific parts (e.g., twin trailer rules, public records procedures).
Deeper insight into permit processes (oversize moves, record requests, infrastructure funding).
RELATED Blog
0 comments